Citrus Spicy Ground Beef Stew
Warm up your kitchen and your bellies with this delightful Citrus Spicy Ground Beef Stew! This dish is a delicious fusion of vibrant citrus flavors and hearty, spicy beef that creates a deeply comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings. The bright notes of orange and lime elevate the stew, giving it a refreshing twist that sets it apart from traditional beef stews. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or simply looking to treat yourself to something special, this recipe has you covered.
Perfect for serving on a weekend afternoon or a busy weeknight, this stew cooks up easily in one pot, saving you both time and clean-up. Its hearty nature paired with a hint of heat will warm every corner of your home, leaving you with satisfied smiles around the dinner table. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable dish that beckons for seconds!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly cooked.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for serving
Gather your fresh ingredients for a wholesome stew preparation.
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Incorporate the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Serve the hearty stew over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Zucchini or corn can also be used instead of bell pepper.
- Optional variations: For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You could also incorporate beans for added texture and protein.
- Storage and reheating tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Freezing is also an option; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty level: Easy
An illustration of a warm bowl of stew for a cozy meal.
Citrus Spicy Ground Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 juice and zest of 1 orange
- 1 juice and zest of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Incorporate the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Serve the hearty stew over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.